REDDING, Calif. -- Redding's Riverfront Specific plan was back in front of city council Tuesday night for the first time since May.
The specific plan has been in the works for years now as the city crafts a vision of future development along the Sacramento River. So far, the city has allocated $1.25 million from the American Rescue Plan Act for the project. City staff along with MIG Consulting Firm have been working based on community feedback since 2023 to develop a set of guidelines for the 380 acres of public and private land, holding open houses, workshops, and surveys to shape the concepts.
'The specific plans we've seen in the city of Redding have had a lot of success so some folks may not know but the Redding Riverfront specific plan dates back to 1989 - 1990 and that specific plan envisioned Turtle Bay Exploration Park for example it actually envisioned and had a goal for the East Turtle Bay open space and trails so these plans are not something staff nor council want to just sit on a shelf and not accomplish anything" said Director of Development Services, Jeremy Pagan.
The council discussed a vote on emerging concepts for the Riverfront Plan to see if staff can move onto the next steps, developing draft specific plan language as well as starting the environmental review process.
The last time the presentation was brought to city council there were concerns about funding and feasibility for a Highway 44 redesign as well as concerns from the public about potential low-income housing in the plan.
This new presentation addressed some of those issues.
"I know that I gave like six or seven different questions and changes that I wanted made, but I did feel like my questions and requests were respected and taken into account" said councilmember Erin Resner.
The plan is divided into northern and southern riverfront concepts that focus on key principles like environmental health, respecting indigenous cultures and adding entertainment venues. The northern concepts include habitat restoration, remodeling the Civic Center and Rodeo Grounds and improving vehicle and pedestrian access. Southern concepts aim to enhance riverfront use with "water-oriented" development, such as swimming, boating and fishing. Plans include a separate trail for bicycles and pedestrians and improvements to Park Marina Drive.
At the meeting, Vice Mayor Mike Littau emphasized to the public that the plan is not concrete that they are just ideas not yet set in motion.
After some discussion the council voted unanimously to accept the specific plan concepts, authorizing the further developments in the plan.